This week, Blackpool FC Community Trust were extremely proud to be named ‘Community Club of the Season’ at the Northwest Football Awards, facing tough opposition from other Northwest EFL Clubs.

Blackpool FC’s Manager, Neil Critchley, added to the success of the evening and was awarded ‘Manager of the Season’ after finishing his first full year at the club. Critchley was up against the likes of Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola and Bolton Wanderers, Ian Evatt.

Speaking about the awards, Neil Critchley made it clear what he thought about the Community Award:

“I think that’s a bigger award if I’m honest…I think it’s more important. The individual awards, they’re nice but there could be 50 people standing up there with me. It’s not about me, it’s about the club. The work Ash (Hackett) does with the Community Trust is unbelievable. I’ve never seen a team like that at a club before. That was really, really deserved because the club is about everyone in the area, it’s not just about what happens on the pitch. It’s more important the club plays a big part in what happens in the community off the pitch, because the club is there for the people of this town and the work, they do is incredible, so big congratulations to the team.”

Ashley Hackett, CEO at Blackpool FC Community Trust said,

“I am so proud of the impact that we have consistently provided to our community and none of it would have been possible without the hard work and commitment of our remarkable staff. With the support of Blackpool Football Club, we have been able to achieve great results regardless of the effects of the pandemic. Many of the areas we have developed will continue to be implemented in the future as it allows us to engage with and help more people in the most deprived town in England.”